temple of Mentuhotep II

temple, Dayr Al-Baḥrī, Egypt

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June 30, 2026

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The mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II, located at Dayr al-Baḥrī in Egypt, was a significant structure built around 1970 BCE. Mentuhotep II was a pivotal king of ancient Egypt's 11th dynasty who reunified the country, ushering in the Middle Kingdom period.123

Mortuary temples in ancient Egypt served as places of worship for deceased kings and repositories for offerings. While Old and Middle Kingdom mortuary temples typically adjoined pyramids, New Kingdom rulers were buried in rock-cut tombs, with separate mortuary temples built nearby. Mentuhotep II's temple is notable as an instance where the mortuary temple enclosed the pyramid, a departure from the usual arrangement. Despite significant ruin, its architectural significance is recognized as a creative exploitation of its cliffside site.412

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Dayr al-Baḥrī
…the funerary temple of King Mentuhotep II (built c. 1970 bce), has lost much of its superstructure. The second, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut (built c. 1470 bce), was uncovered (1894–96) beneath the monastery ruins and subsequently underwent partial restoration. A fuller restoration of the third terrace, sanctuary, and…
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…the funerary temple of King Mentuhotep II (built c. 1970 bce), has lost much of its superstructure. The second, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut (built c. 1470 bce), was uncovered (1894–96) beneath the monastery ruins and subsequently underwent partial restoration. A fuller restoration of the third terrace, sanctuary, and…
Read More